Firm expands family law practice from six to seven attorneys
Raleigh-based law firm Smith Debnam today announced that veteran family law attorney Kristin Ruth has joined the firm’s family law practice. As a partner, Ruth will represent clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, and equitable property distribution. With the addition of Ruth, Smith Debnam’s family law practice now boasts seven attorneys, including six Board Certified specialists.
Ruth brings more than 23 years of courtroom and mediation experience to her practice, in particular to matters involving grandparent visitation and domestic violence, as well as family law disputes between same-sex couples. She is a certified mediator and certified financial mediator. Ruth spent seven years in private practice until 1998, when she was elected to the 10th Judicial District Court bench where she presided predominantly as a family court judge. She earned re-election in 2002, 2006, and 2010.
“The opportunity to join the elite team of dedicated and professional lawyers and staff at Smith Debnam is one of the most defining and exciting moments in my legal career, “ said Ruth. “I believe that my 23 years of experience in private practice and on the district court bench will add a positive dimension to Smith Debnam’s solid reputation of integrity in helping people successfully navigate the legal system.”
Ruth, a Kansas native, earned her Juris Doctor from Campbell University and a B.S. from Kansas State University. She is a frequent guest speaker at national and international events on issues covering child Support and ethics. She is a former member of the Federal Child Support Task Force, National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and Chief Justices’ Commission on Professionalism, and has served as president of the North Carolina Child Support Council. Ruth currently serves on the board of Carolina Dispute Settlement Services, and is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, Wake County Bar Association, and Tenth Judicial District Bar.
